I don't mind having concessionaires run some of the National Parks, as it is being done now. However, I don't want to see our National Parks turned into garish Disneyland-like attractions.

I realize the Park Service is drastically underfunded and in need of billions for backlogged maintenance and repairs, but I rather see fees raised gradually to cover expenses instead of having private companies destroy the character of the national parks.

From the article:

Seniors are one group that might be hit hard by the policies, if adopted.

The memo argues that the 50 percent discount for seniors should apply only to base campsite fees and encourages NPS to introduce “new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods.”

A few years back the Supreme Court "Citizens United" gave BIG MONEY the right to use that money to control our government and nothing has been the same since (money=speech - the more you have the louder your voice). Until it's overturned, billionaires and corporations will use their power to squeeze every dollar they can everywhere they can. The payback for them has proven to be enormous and there's no end in sight. Citizens United is worst decision to come from the SC since the awful Dread Scott decision declared the Constitution of the United States was not meant to include American citizenship for black people. Decisions of the Court are not without flaws.

Seniors are one group that might be hit hard by the policies, if adopted.

The memo argues that the 50 percent discount for seniors should apply only to base campsite fees and encourages NPS to introduce “new senior fee blackout periods during peak season periods.”

A good idea that makes a lot of sense. Why do seniors get a %50 discount to begin with, or a discount at all.

I suppose the theory is that:
1) They've paid taxes for 45+ year
2) They theoretically have lower incomes
3) They vote in very high numbers and are quite vindictive towards politicians that take away some benefit. They are also very loud while being vindictive.

Number three is obviously the most important from the political viewpoint.

Like any business, it's all about the bottom line.
The Park Service is drastically underfunded and needs to raise money for maintenance, etc..

I agree, paying taxes for 40+ years should count for something.
And, I don't want to see our parks become another Disneyland.
But, like buying gas/diesel, when the price goes up we grumble, whine and pay the higher price.

Like a lot of things the cost of establishing a federal park, county or national hi-ways, public schools is peanuts compared to the cost of maintaining them year over year and is not considered or factored in. I constantly see news stories decrying the condition of infrastructure, our failing schools, costs of this and that. Ask anybody on the street and they will say that want all of these things to be repaired, supported, brought up to current standards or expectations of service. Now ask these same people how much more they are willing to pay in federal, state, local taxes or are willing to help by serving and you get a lot of crickets.

I have no issue if there becomes a private/public contract to address the federal park system. I see no reason NOT to allow one or more companies to take over the concessions, camping, store operations in federal parks.

Keep the basic entry fee for federal parks reasonable so most of not all citizens can come experience the parks. They don’t need to eat there, camp there, of buy overpriced made in China souvenirs.

IMHO our government could send more $$ to the NPS. Perhaps raise our fees slightly for usage, but leave the senior discounts in place.We could debate where to cut elsewhere so the NPS could be properly funded, but I'm sure we can all agree we need these parks properly maintained for our enjoyment.